Colombo, Sep 15 : Indian batsman Virat Kohli was named ODI Cricketer of the Year at the International Cricket Council Awards here Saturday.

During the performance period, he played 31 ODIs and compiled 1,733 runs at an average of 66.65, including eight centuries and six half-centuries. His highest score, 183, came against Pakistan in the Asia Cup in March.

The independent voting academy of 32 highly rated cricket experts put Kohli first, ahead of such talented and in-form players as Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara and Lasith Malinga as well as Kohli's India captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Kohli said upon receiving the honour: "I think I have tried to keep things as simple as possible and it's worked for me on the field. This year has been a learning curve along the way from the seniors in the team. It's been an all-round effort and I'm very happy to have won this award."

© IANS